Deshaun stashed in Europe?

The day after the NBA draft last week, The Post-Standard of Syracuse, N.Y., reported that the San Antonio Spurs were set to take Syracuse forward James Southerland with the No.58 pick in the draft but wanted him to spend next season in Europe. Southerland and his agent declined.

By now, you know the Spurs instead used the pick the select Ohio State forward Deshaun Thomas. They profiled both the 6-foot-7 Thomas and 6-8 Southerland as perimeter shooting specialists.

I text-messaged Thomas’ agent, J.R. Hensley of ASM Sports, twice in recent days to ask whether he and Thomas agreed to the Spurs’ proposal. I have not received a reply, which might in itself be the answer.

A representative for the agency that represents Southerland told The Post-Standard that it was not a good deal for Southerland.

“They wanted him to play for their summer-league team. But they wanted him to go to Europe and they wouldn't guarantee James after that season,” said Andy Shiffman of Priority Sports.

“He would've come back from Europe (next year) in no better situation than if he had gone undrafted, except that they would still have his rights. They weren't going to guarantee him anything for the following year. Not a roster spot. Not even guaranteed money.”

Instead, Southerland is a free agent playing for two different teams, Philadelphia and Golden State, respectively, in the NBA summer leagues in Orlando, Fla., and Las Vegas, Nev., this month. He may end up in Europe anyway, but when he’s done playing next spring, he’ll be free to negotiate with any NBA team.

Thomas could end up like Jon Diebler, who was drafted 51st by Portland two years ago and had his rights traded to Houston last summer.

Because Diebler played in Turkey last season, Houston will hold his exclusive NBA negotiating rights until next spring unless it releases him. If Thomas plays in Europe next season, San Antonio would have his rights until spring 2015.